Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
March is a significant month for consumer awareness, as it brings National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7, 2026). This week-long observance is a key annual event where the Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) takes the opportunity to spotlight and amplify its year-round commitment to safeguarding the public from scams, fraud and misleading business practices. The goal is to empower everyone with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and recognize the tell-tale signs of a scam.
A Strong Password: Your Best Defense
The Threat: By now, you’ve likely heard of the Grandparent Scam, where a caller claims your grandchild is in trouble and needs money. In 2026, scammers are using Artificial Intelligence to clone voices. It might sound exactly like your grandson or granddaughter, right down to the hesitation in their voice.
Your Power Move: You don’t need high-tech software to beat a high-tech scam. You just need a “Family Password.”
- Talk to your family this week and pick a random word (like “Spatula” or “Buckeye”).
- If someone calls claiming to be a loved one in distress, ask: “What is the password?”
- If they can’t say it, hang up. It’s that simple.
The “Knock at the Door” – Building Trust and Taking Precautions
The Threat: As the weather warms up in Cleveland, the door-to-door solicitors return. You might hear a knock from a contractor claiming they have “leftover asphalt” from a job down the street or notice your roof has wind damage.
Your Power Move: Legitimate, busy contractors rarely go door-to-door selling “leftovers.”
- Say No to the Knock: Never decide on your front porch. Ask for a card and tell them you’ll call them later.
- Check the Seal: Before you hire anyone for spring repairs, look for the BBB Seal. It means the company has been vetted for trustworthiness and responsive customer service.
The “Official” Enrollment Call: Don’t Get Hooked
The Window: January 1 – March 31 (Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment)
The Threat: You receive an urgent call or text claiming to be from “Medicare” or a “government enrollment specialist.” They insist that because it is Open Enrollment, you must “re-verify” your Medicare number or risk losing your health coverage entirely. They might even promise you a “free” grocery benefit or a higher refund check to lure you into giving up your personal data.
Your Power Move: Stay skeptical of any unsolicited calls during this period. Medicare will never call you to sell you a plan or ask for your Medicare number over the phone unless you’ve already permitted them.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. Your report helps us build consumer awareness and reduce the effectiveness of scammers’ favorite tactics. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected].
